What is Architecture?
Do you often find yourself lost admiring the intricacies of buildings – their fine detailings, craftsmanship, and colours? Then, perhaps, you are someone who is interested in Architecture!
Architecture, the art and science of designing, planning and building. Society has always needed shelter and a place to call home, which is why Architecture is said to have dated back ever since the history of humans. As time passes, we could see that Architecture is not only limited to houses and homes, offices, education institutions, it could also take on the role of preserving culture and heritage through buildings. For instance, buildings in Malaysia such as A Famosa, the Sultan Abdul Samad building in Dataran Merdeka, and Masjid Jamek. There are also other popular establishments in Malaysia such as KLCC, Saloma Bridge, Merdeka 118, designed by professionals who are involved in Architecture, Architects!
An Architect typically holds a role or responsibility in the phases of a construction project, from explaining ideas to clients and contractors, to drawing plans and specifications, to overseeing the different construction phases.
Types and Specialisation of Architecture
Architecture is constantly evolving with many specialisations, which is why a profession as an Architect is deemed to be agreeably challenging and never static. Below are some of the types and specialisation of Architecture:
Types | Specialisation / Description |
Brutalist Architecture | Brutalist Architecture, emerged during the post-war era, demonstrates a style which philosophically aims to showcase the beauty of raw materials, such as concrete. One of the notable buildings found in Malaysia in the brutalist style would be the Bank Negara Malaysia Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. |
Colonial Architecture | Colonial Architecture is a combination of Architectural styles from the colonists and the settled country. Buildings with this style of Architecture showing a glimpse of the country’s history. Often, structures in Malaysia with Colonial Architecture retain classical, neo-gothic, and oriental features. Some of them are Kek Lok Si Temple and St Anne Church Penang. |
Green Architecture | Green Architecture is the product of the rising awareness on the need for sustainability. The focus of Green Architecture is to reduce environmental footprint through eco-friendly materials such as solar panels and more. Through the operation of Green Building Index (GBI) in Malaysia, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia is one example of a green building. |
Interior Architecture | Interior Architecture is a type of Architecture which emphasises on the structure of an interior space. With exceptions, it is common for Interior Architects to repurpose an existing building’s interior. One example is REXKL (Initially Rex Cinema) in Malaysia which was a theatre turned into an arts-and-culture hub. You can further understand about Interior Architecture by reading our article. |
Islamic Architecture | Islamic Architecture has its’ roots from the principles of Islam frequently associated with Muslim’s place of worship, the mosque. Many Malaysian buildings take major inspiration from Islamic Architecture. A significant structure would be Putra Mosque in Putrajaya. |
Landscape Architecture | Landscape Architecture is a specialisation intended to achieve outcomes related to the environment, social behaviour, or aesthetics through planning, design, management, and nurturing of built and natural environments. Parks, paths, plazas, residences, and other community-building projects are among the things they plan and create. |
Modern Architecture | Modern Architecture implements innovative features as well as materials which stray away from simple items like brick, stone, and wood. Instead, they use materials such as steel, glass, or reinforced concrete. Instances of modernist buildings in Malaysia are the Parliament Building and Muzium Negara, meant to represent a progressive country. |
Post-Modern Architecture | Post-Modern Architecture is said to be a style of Architecture which does not conform to conventional Architectural styles and pushes boundaries for Architecture. For this reason, Post-Modern Architecture does not stick to one singular style. Some examples of post-modern buildings in Malaysia include KLCC, Merdeka 118, and The Starhill in Bukit Bintang. |
Famous Malaysian Architects
- Hijjas Kasturi
Hijjas Kasturi is widely recognised as a pioneer for Architecture in Malaysia, endeared with the label, the father of Architecture in Malaysia. He evolved modern Architecture in Malaysia by fusing modernism with cultural elements.
- Eleena Jamil
Eleena Jamily is a leading Architect in Malaysia known for her contemporary works which blend organic and modern materials with elements of Asian culture. Her works are presented on her website.
- Wooi Lok Kuang
Wooi Lok Kuang is an Architect with a practice based in Kuala Lumpur. His style of Architecture is inspired by his experience as a child growing up in the northern region among the abundant traditional Malay villages.
- Ken Yeang
Ken Yeang is known as the pioneer to ecology based Architecture in Malaysia through the integration of nature and greenery with his structures. His works can be found through his firm’s website.
- Shin Tseng
Shin Tseng is a young and upcoming Architect in Malaysia looking to rejuvenate Kuala Lumpur through his works as part of ensuring sustainability. A major project of his along (with his partner, Shin Chang) is the rejuvenation project of RexKL.
Pathway for an Architect in Malaysia
To become a Professional Architect with an Ar. title, you would have to take up the LAM I, II, III examinations by the Board of Architects Malaysia, also known as Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia.
After completion of SPM/IGCSE/O-Levels, you can opt for a Pre-University course such as STPM, A-Levels, or Foundation and Diploma in any relevant field to ensure you can qualify into an Undergraduate Degree in Architecture. Then, you should enrol in a relevant Masters Programme after you’ve completed your Bachelor’s Degree. Next, you need to gain a minimum of 2 years working experience as part of the LAM III examination, which also includes an oral and written exam. Passing all these requirements would grant you the title of a Professional Architect.
Students should note that University programmes which have been accredited by the board equate their Undergraduate Degree as LAM I and their Master Programmes as LAM II. Graduates enrolled in university programmes which are not recognised by the board should sit for both the examinations.
General Requirement to study Architecture in Malaysia
Academic Entry
Academic Entry | Minimum Score |
Foundation | CGPA of 2.00 |
Diploma | CGPA 2.00 |
STPM | CGPA 2.00 (including Credit in English SPM/ Equivalent) |
UEC | 5 Bs (including Mathematics) |
A-Levels | 2 Principal Passes (including Credit in Mathematics SPM) |
Australian Matriculation (ATAR) | Average 60% in 5 subjects (including Mathematics) |
IB Diploma | 24 points (including Credit in Mathematics SPM/ Equivalent) |
Note: Universities may have different requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
English Language Entry Requirement
Entry Level | Minimum Score |
IELTS | Band 5.0 |
MUET | Band 3.5 |
TOEFL | 40 |
Note: Universities may have different English Language requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
Universities to study Architecture in Malaysia
1. Taylor's University
Taylor’s University is a widely recognised private higher education institution in Malaysia equipped with exceptional education resources and facilities to reach their goal of yielding accomplished graduates through their holistic approaches to learning.
The Architecture programme at Taylor’s University would offer you courses and modules which fosters your technical skills, creativity, and critical thinking. Graduates are promised industry-relevant experiences catered for a seamless professional journey when they step into the professional Architecture field. Enrolling into the programme would exempt you from LAM Part I Examination.
Programme Offered | Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture |
|---|---|
Duration | 3 Years |
Intake | February, April, September |
Indicative Fees (2023) | Local Students: RM 126,734 International Students: USD 32,623 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
2. UCSI University (UCSI)
UCSI University was initially a computer training institute now developed into one of Malaysia’s foremost private higher education providers, with the mission of ensuring transformative education to hone professionalism, integrity, and eagerness in their graduates.
UCSI extends an Architecture course which sets out to foster imperative skills for future Architecture graduates such as curiosity, creativity, social responsiveness and solid intellectual knowledge through comprehensive modules and annual trips to Architectural sites located in Asia, such as Bali, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, and Korea. The Architecture undergraduate programme in UCSI would exempt their students from the LAM Part I Examination.
Programme Offered | Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture |
|---|---|
Duration | 3.3 Years |
Intake | January, July |
Indicative Fees (2023) | Local Students: RM 90,574 International Students: RM 108,944 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
3. INTI International College Subang
INTI International University believes in an education that empowers their graduates, allowing them to explore their passion and realise their true potential through proper learning experiences furnished with adequate facilities and equipment.
INTI’s Interior Architecture and Design programme, accredited by LAM, belongs to their Centre of Art and Design. It is incorporated with regularly vetted curriculums aimed to assure their students will graduate with contemporary knowledge through industry-relevant courses as well as the skill to implement sustainable strategies in Architecture. Students will also gain the opportunity to receive further exposure to practical approaches through national and international design competitions.
Programme Offered | Bachelor of Art (Honours) Interior Architecture & Design 3.5+0 in collaboration with Sheffield Hallam University, UK |
|---|---|
Duration | 3.5 Years |
Intake | April, August |
Indicative Fees (2023) | Local Students: RM 88,688 International Students: RM 88,688 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
4. SEGi University (SEGi)
SEGi University is one of the leading private higher education institutions, noted to continue with their outstanding efforts in developing innovative programmes directed to fulfil the needs of society and industries.
The Architecture programme offered at SEGi has the goal of ensuring aspiring Architects possess the skill of addressing challenges in an unorthodox manner while giving them the opportunity to passionately explore ideas and present them in a variety of design styles. Their programme, accredited by LAM, emphasises on practical and sustainable Architecture with subjects such as Sustainability & Green Technology as a way of enriching Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Programme Offered | Bachelor of Science (Hons) Architecture |
|---|---|
Duration | 3 Years |
Intake | January, May, August |
Indicative Fees (2023) | Local Students: RM 73,000 International Students: RM 85,450 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
5. University of Wollongong Malaysia (UOW)
The University of Wollongong Malaysia (UOW) envisions to be a leading global education provider delivering transformative student experiences through internationally recognised programmes and personalised approach to student learning.
UOW offers an Architecture programme which allows their students to delve deep into the creative aspect of the built environment field through hands-on modules, mobility programmes, industry standard design studios, and comprehensive syllabus. UOW’s Interior Architecture programme is set on developing Architects who are visionary and innovative with the way they interact with their surroundings and nature alongside their future works.
Programme Offered | Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Interior Architecture |
|---|---|
Duration | 3.5 Years |
Intake | January, March, May, July, September, October |
Indicative Fees (2023) | Local Students: RM 68,570 International Students: RM 82,460 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
For more information regarding the university, programme offered, entry requirements and fees, contact Excel Education.
About The Author
Hannah Hir
Hannah appreciates various art forms, especially Asian literature, film and music. Most of her favorite Malaysian kuihs are green-coloured.